News

Joint report compares European and New Zealand qualifications frameworks

30/06/2017

A new report comparing the qualifications frameworks, levels, and quality assurance arrangements will help support more transparent and consistent recognition of qualifications between European Union Member States and New Zealand.

The Joint Technical Report with the a Comparative Analysis of the EQF and the NZQF: Joint Technical Report’ has established a relationship between levels of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

The report will support transparent and consistent recognition decisions by education providers and employers in New Zealand and among the European Union Member States.

The Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility of the European Commission, Marianne Thyssen says: "The improved understanding of the two frameworks may result in better informed decisions on the recognition of qualifications, and contribute to improved student and labour mobility between European Union Member States and New Zealand."

Cooperation between the European Union and New Zealand is founded on strong historical and cultural links.

Background

Despite the differences in nature between both frameworks, the comparative analysis has proved it possible to compare them. The NZQF dates back to 1992 and is one of the first qualifications frameworks in the world. It is an overarching national qualifications framework, comprising information on quality assured qualifications in New Zealand. It is designed to optimise recognition of educational achievement and its contribution to New Zealand’s economic, social and cultural success.

The EQF was established in 2008 as a regional common reference framework with the purpose of improving the transparency, comparability and portability of qualifications in Europe. Thirty-two European National Qualifications Frameworks have been referenced to the EQF.